§ Mrs. Margaret EwingTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what was the number of staff of the accountant in bankruptcy for each year since 1984–85; whether the number of staff is to be increased; and what were for each year since 1984–85 the total costs of the accountant in bankruptcy's office.
§ Lord James Douglas-Hamilton[holding answer 25 April 1990]: Following the coming into effect on 1 April 1986 of the provisions of the Bankruptcy (Scotland) Act 1985 the resources made available to the office of the accountant in bankruptcy have been and are being kept under review to match staffing levels to the additional workload resulting from the new provisions. The number of staff in post, at 1 April in each year, was as follows:
292W
Year Number 1984 2.5 1985 2.5 1986 5.5 1987 5.5
Year Number 1988 14.5 1989 25.5 1990 37.5 The annual running costs for the office of the accountant in bankruptcy were as follows:
£000 Year £000 1984–85 31 1985–86 38 1986–87 73 1987–88 94 1988–89 221 1989–90 400
§ Mrs. Margaret EwingTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what were the total sums paid out in each of the last five years from(a) the legal advice and assistance scheme and (b) the civil legal aid scheme to solicitors representing bankrupt persons, persons contesting bankruptcy petitions and otherwise in connection with matters pertaining to bankruptcy.
§ Lord James Douglas-Hamilton[holding answer 25 April 1990]: The information requested is not available.